HISTORY
Fiji population is comprised of 860,000 people. The first inhabitants of Fiji settled there around 3000 BC.
The islands are believed to have been first populated by the Lapita and Polynesian people. The first people of Fiji had strong trading ties with other island nations throughout the South Pacific seen through archaeological artifacts recovered from islands as far away as Hawaii. For thousands of years a number of tribes ruled over the islands and were almost constantly in conflict with one another.
EUROPEAN COLONIZATION
In the 17th and 18th centuries European explorers began to colonize the islands and form one national government over the entire island group. In the 18th century the British claimed Fiji as a colony and remained under British control until October 10th, 1970 (Fiji.gov). Fiji week was established as a holiday to honor its independence from the British and is regularly one of the largest celebrations on the islands. Since the end of British rule, the government has seen a series of military coups (two in 1987, , most recently occuring in 2006.
LANGUAGE
Throughout its history Fiji has been home to many different tribes and languages. The islands are home to over 10 current languages and many others that have died throughout its history. Fijian is the most common language currently, with a bit over half of the population using it as their first or second language. The language is further divided into 2 dialects, East and West Fijian. The second most common language in Fiji is Hindustani, a language spoken by the natives of Indian decent, which represent just over a third of the population. English is also a common language in Fiji, stemming from the two centuries of British rule.
INDO AND ETHNO-FIJIANS
Fiji today is home to many different nationalities, Indians, Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders. Fijians who account for more than 50% of the population of Fiji, live in villages and act on a communal basis within their communities. Indo-fijians, primarily the descendants of indentured labourers brought to the country from India about 100 years ago to work on sugar plantations also call Fiji their home. While they were offered an opportunity to return to their country of origin post-indentured servitude, many chose to stay, (Fiji.gov). This dichotomy of heritage caused much unrest from the time of the introduction of the Indian population into the 2000s with the election of the first Indo-fijian prime minister. But as in many places with like cultural tensions the future of harmonious relations lie in forward thinking younger generations.
Fiji population is comprised of 860,000 people. The first inhabitants of Fiji settled there around 3000 BC.
The islands are believed to have been first populated by the Lapita and Polynesian people. The first people of Fiji had strong trading ties with other island nations throughout the South Pacific seen through archaeological artifacts recovered from islands as far away as Hawaii. For thousands of years a number of tribes ruled over the islands and were almost constantly in conflict with one another.
EUROPEAN COLONIZATION
In the 17th and 18th centuries European explorers began to colonize the islands and form one national government over the entire island group. In the 18th century the British claimed Fiji as a colony and remained under British control until October 10th, 1970 (Fiji.gov). Fiji week was established as a holiday to honor its independence from the British and is regularly one of the largest celebrations on the islands. Since the end of British rule, the government has seen a series of military coups (two in 1987, , most recently occuring in 2006.
LANGUAGE
Throughout its history Fiji has been home to many different tribes and languages. The islands are home to over 10 current languages and many others that have died throughout its history. Fijian is the most common language currently, with a bit over half of the population using it as their first or second language. The language is further divided into 2 dialects, East and West Fijian. The second most common language in Fiji is Hindustani, a language spoken by the natives of Indian decent, which represent just over a third of the population. English is also a common language in Fiji, stemming from the two centuries of British rule.
INDO AND ETHNO-FIJIANS
Fiji today is home to many different nationalities, Indians, Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders. Fijians who account for more than 50% of the population of Fiji, live in villages and act on a communal basis within their communities. Indo-fijians, primarily the descendants of indentured labourers brought to the country from India about 100 years ago to work on sugar plantations also call Fiji their home. While they were offered an opportunity to return to their country of origin post-indentured servitude, many chose to stay, (Fiji.gov). This dichotomy of heritage caused much unrest from the time of the introduction of the Indian population into the 2000s with the election of the first Indo-fijian prime minister. But as in many places with like cultural tensions the future of harmonious relations lie in forward thinking younger generations.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Rugby is a very popular past-time on the islands of Fiji. Considered to be one of the best teams in the world, the country has won five rugby national championships. What seems like an intimidation technique, "The Cibi" war chant and dance of the Fijian rugby team is traditionally done before every game.
Rugby is a very popular past-time on the islands of Fiji. Considered to be one of the best teams in the world, the country has won five rugby national championships. What seems like an intimidation technique, "The Cibi" war chant and dance of the Fijian rugby team is traditionally done before every game.